It appears the Garoppolo family still has ties to Kyle Shanahan.
It's been nearly two full seasons since Jimmy Garoppolo's dominant tenure with the 49ers came to an unceremonious end, and the quarterback's younger brother on Thursday night blown away San Francisco's 12-6 loss to the weather-beaten Rams. Happy — Jimmy backed up Los Angeles starter Matthew Stafford.
Billy Garoppolo wrote “aggressive guru” over a photo of Shanahan on his Instagram Story, adding several crying-laughing emojis.
In case you don't know how brother Garoppolo feels, he posted, “Let's go Rams!” That too early in the evening.
Once considered the heir apparent to Tom Brady's Patriots dynasty, Jimmy was traded to San Francisco during the 2017 season and began his tenure with the 49ers, which was plagued by injuries and struggled at times offensively.
Garoppolo led the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2020.
The rise of Brock Purdy, following in the footsteps of Garoppolo and 2021 No. 3 draft pick Trey Lance, ends San Francisco's protracted quarterback melodrama.
Garoppolo signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Raiders before the 2023 season, but things fell through. After starting just six games with the team, he was easily cut from the roster due to a two-game PED suspension and decreased production.
Garoppolo, 33, has operated in relative obscurity as the Rams' backup behind Stafford after signing a one-year deal in March.
“We were talking about a reset, and he said, 'Maybe it's time to take a deep breath, learn a new system, put yourself in a new place and a new culture and all that stuff. I guess they needed that.'” Rams assistant Jerry Schuplinski told ESPN Regarding the article published earlier this month. “And he seems to be in a good place. He feels safe. He's enjoying his time and really putting in the work.”
After Thursday's win, Garoppolo's Rams are 8-6 and are aiming for a playoff berth, but the 6-8 49ers are likely to miss the playoffs, which could be a boon for players like Garoppolo's younger brother. It will be.
